Paris Events In August 2018 – Art, Music, Beaches & La Liberation

August is the height of summer in Paris, and although tout le monde goes en vacances, the city is still filled with vibrant festivals and events. This August, the Paris Gay games, Rock en Seine, the anniversary of the Liberation of Paris, and several film festivals will keep you busy and entertained.

It happens only in the summer and only on Saturdays. That's when the magnificent fountains of Versailles are turned on to the sound of classical music from the period of the Sun King. Take this excursion from Paris and you'll experience it all, including the spectacular fireworks finale in the gardens of Versailles. Held on Saturdays starting in June and ending in September.

Paris Gay Games

Started in 1986, the event now attracts 15,000 athletes from seventy countries around the globe. The events will take place at several venues across Paris including the Grand Palais, the Carreau du Temple, Hotel de Ville, Salle Pleyel, and the Bois de Boulogne.

Every imaginable game or sport is represented — judo, golf, field hockey, cycling, bowling, badminton, fencing, boxing, basketball, aquatics, dance, figure skating, handball, ice hockey, and track & field. The big secret is that you don't have to be gay or even good at your sport to participate. The Paris Gay Games invites everyone to join as an athlete or as a spectator.

The opening ceremony takes place the Jean Bouin Stadium in the 16h Arrondissement followed by an all-night gala at the Grand Palais. You must purchase an on-line ticket to gain access to the Grand Palais party. There's also the Grand Ball which takes place at the Hotel de Ville on Friday, August 10 with a special tango performance from an Argentinian group. The fun starts at 7 PM.

Liberation of Paris Festivities

This August, Paris celebrates the 74th anniversary of liberation from Nazi occupation in World War II. It was in fact, on August 25, 1944 that the city was finally liberated from the tyranny of Nazi oppression.

In Charles de Gaulle's victory speech, he famously said, "Paris liberated! Liberated by itself, liberated by its people with the support of the armies of France, with the help and support of the whole of France, of the France that fights, of the only France, of the true France, of the eternal France!"

Although this is not an official French holiday, there will be several events around the city with a major celebration on the front plaza of the Hotel de Ville.

Tréteaux Nomades

Under the starry skies of Montmartre in late summer is this special festival. The fun event brings together commedia dell'arte, burlesque, musicals, poetry, and all things theatrical. You can expect thirty troupes on stage in six different locations with the goal of making theatre accessible to everyone.

Rock en Seine

Join the hard-core Parisians who have stayed in the city during August — and rock out! The three-day event takes place at Parc de Saint-Cloud just outside Paris. Started in 2003, there are now five Stages, with 65 bands representing rock, power pop, electric, and folk music — and of course 120,000 music lovers. You can even set up your campsite and sleep overnight. You must book your campsite online, in advance and have a valid pass.

The official address of the event is Avenue de la Grille d'Honneur. It's important to note that only those holding a three-day ticket will be allowed to leave and re-enter the festival. The good news is that you can get there by Metro on line 10.

Silhouette Festival — Free

Created in 2002, the Silhouette Association's aim is to promote short format films to a wide and diverse audience. It is now one of the biggest outdoor short film festivals in France. Over 100 films are shown over nine nights with three juries to select the best films in various categories. Opening night starts with a fun outdoor concert. It's about a 30-minute ride on Metro Line 11 from Chatelet in central Paris to get to to the venue.

Classique au Vert

Assomption – Assumption Day

Don't be caught off caught by this unassuming Paris holiday. Virtually everything will be closed including department stores, shops, and many restaurants.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

French National Holiday

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Other Summer Events Continuing into August

Paris Plages

Since 2002 this has become one of the highlights of summer in Paris. It was originally created to bring the beach to those who couldn't make it out of town during August. Just head to the Seine River and enjoy the steamy summer days and nights with tons of sand, umbrellas, and everyone who is still in town.

Festival Paris l'Été

This annual arts festival features dance, music and theatre events in neighborhood venues across Paris. Since 1990 the Paris Summer Festival has been organizing artistic and cultural events throughout the city.